Councils Warn of Crisis as Household Support Fund Nears End

Local authorities urge the government to extend the vital aid amid fears of increased hardship this winter.

The Household Support Fund, aiding vulnerable households, expires next month, raising concerns of a 'cliff edge'.
A Local Government Association survey found 84% of councils expect a surge in demand for support this winter.
Nearly 60% of councils cannot provide additional welfare funding if the grant ends, risking essential services.
Councils call for a successor scheme by March 2025 and multi-year funding settlements for better crisis prevention.
The government has yet to announce plans for the fund's extension despite widespread appeals from local authorities.